Common Name: Anguis graeca
Scientific Name: Anguis graeca
Habitat
Anguis graeca, commonly known as the Greek legless lizard, is primarily found in the southeastern regions of Europe, specifically in Greece and parts of the Balkans. This species inhabits a range of environments, including rocky areas, grasslands, and open woodlands, thriving in warm climates where the soil is well-drained and abundant in vegetation.
Physical Characteristics
Anguis graeca is a notable species of legless lizard, growing to a length of approximately 40 to 60 cm. These lizards have elongated, cylindrical bodies with smooth, shiny scales that vary in color from brown to gray or yellowish tones. Their distinctive feature is the absence of limbs, which gives them a snake-like appearance. They also possess a tapered snout and small, inconspicuous eyes, enabling them to be well-adapted to their burrowing lifestyle.
Behavior
This species exhibits primarily fossorial behavior, spending much of its time underground. Anguis graeca is known for its secretive nature, often hiding under rocks, leaf litter, or in crevices. During warmer months, they may surface to bask in the sunlight. These lizards are generally solitary creatures and are most active during the day, displaying a relatively slow movement pattern that facilitates their foraging for food.
Diet
Anguis graeca feeds primarily on small invertebrates, including insects, snails, and worms. They use their keen sense of smell to locate prey, and their diet can vary based on seasonal availability. Their feeding habits contribute to controlling the population of these small species, thus playing an essential role in their ecosystem.
Reproduction
The reproductive habits of Anguis graeca typically occur in the spring. Mating takes place shortly after emerging from hibernation, with females laying a clutch of between 4 to 10 eggs. The eggs are usually deposited in sandy or loose soil, where they incubate for several weeks. Juveniles emerge in late summer, exhibiting similar traits to adults but on a smaller scale.
Conservation Status
Currently, Anguis graeca is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss due to urbanization and agriculture, as well as changes in land use, pose significant threats to this species. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the survival of Anguis graeca in its natural habitat.
Interesting Facts
Interestingly, despite being commonly referred to as a legless lizard, Anguis graeca is not a snake. It belongs to the suborder Lacertilia and shares many similarities with other lizard species. Additionally, these lizards have a unique ability to shed their tails when threatened, a common defense mechanism observed in many reptiles.
Role in Ecosystem
Anguis graeca plays a vital role in its ecosystem as both predator and prey. By controlling the population of small invertebrates, it helps maintain the balance of the local ecosystem. Moreover, as a food source for larger predators, this species contributes to the broader food web, highlighting its ecological significance.